NFL Player News

Colts wideout Hakeen Nicks gained a starting spot for Sunday in Pittsburgh due to the absence of Reggie Wayne and did little with it.

Nicks managed just one catch for 27 yards as one of several small offensive contributors. Also in that group was wideout Griff Whalen, who caught one pass for 23 yards, and running back Dan Herron, who chipped in with a reception for five yards while adding two yards on one carry. Tight end Coby Fleener also caught one for four yards.

If you own Patriots running back Shane Vereen, you were probably excited to start him after his two-touchdown performance last week. And you had every reason to be. He was even the CBSSports.com Start of the Week for his matchup against the Bears.

But unfortunately, the one thing that could ruin him in Week 8 (other than injury, of course) came to fruition. The ever-clever Patriots out-clevered everyone again, deciding that a more traditional running back -- specifically, the heretofore unknown Jonas Gray -- would be a better fit for their game plan. He did fine, rushing for 86 yards on 17 carries, so you can't really fault the Patriots. But dang, a little heads-up would have been nice.

But of course, Bill Belichick wouldn't be Bill Belichick if he gave heads-ups to the media, and he's been around long enough for us to know what getting with him and the Patriots offense. They've always liked to mix and match at running back. Losing their preferred option doesn't change anything.

So is Vereen still valuable in Fantasy? Sure, in PPR leagues and as an every-now-and-then play in standard leagues. But now that Gray appears to have the Stevan Ridley role, you could argue he's just as valuable.

The Cardinals got a slew of offensive contributions in their 24-20 win over the Eagles. Among them, tight end John Carlson caught two of six targets for 16 yards and running back Robert Hughes had two catches for 13 yards.

Wideout Jaron Brown added a 7-yard reception. They'll all visit the Cowboys in Week 9.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden might have received many more carries Sunday against the host Browns had his team not been behind the entire game. But he made good use of the 12 he did get - at least until one huge mistake.

McFadden rushed for 59 yards for a 4.9 YPC average. He also caught four passes for 26 yards. He began strong with a 16-yard burst up the middle on his first carry, but his fumble in Browns territory with 1:12 left in the third quarter and his team down just 9-6 proved deadly. The Raiders never recovered.

He will seek a more complete effort when Oakland plays at Seattle next Sunday.

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington averaged under 4 yards per carry Sunday for the fifth straight game, but he scored his third touchdown this season on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. Ellington rushed 23 times for 71 yards (3.1 ypc) and caught three of his six targets for 14 yards.

Ellington lost his second fumble this season, but his team was able to overcome it in a 24-20 win. Ellington visits the Cowboys in Week 9.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen took a backseat Week 8 against the Bears.

Vereen received just five carries, gaining 22 yards on the ground. He was overshadowed by Jonas Gray, who wound up carrying the ball 17 times during the contest. Vereen was still a threat in the passing game, hauling in three balls for 23 yards. 

Vereen will look for more Week 9 against the Broncos. 

Patriots running back Jonas Gray received the bulk of the carries Week 8 against the Bears.

Gray didn't disappoint, gaining 86 yards on 17 attempts. He overshadowed Shane Vereen on the ground, as Vereen received just five carries. Gray, however, was not a factor in the passing game and was not targeted. 

He'll look for more Week 9 against the Broncos. 

Jets running back Chris Ivory led the team's three-headed rushing attack Sunday, racking up 43 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries in his team's 43-23 loss to the Bills in Week 8.

One game after rushing 21 times and posting his second 100-yard effort of the season, Ivory was the leader in the rushing game again, though the team's rushing leader ended up being backup quarterback Michael Vick. Both of Ivory's scores came from two yards out in the second quarter. He has delivered 475 yards on 101 carries with five touchdowns and 12 receptions for 103 yards.

The Jets also saw running back Bilal Powell deliver in limited action, rushing for 28 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Chris Johnson managed only three carries for seven yards while adding two receptions for 13 yards in the loss. The Jets will hit the road to face the Chiefs in Week 9.

Chiefs running back Knile Davis scored two touchdowns in the second half during Sunday's 34-7 win against the Rams.

Davis opened the second half with a 99-yard kickoff return, which put Kansas City ahead 17-7. He added a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, which was Kansas City's final score.

Davis totaled 49 rushing yards on 16 carries. He has four rushing touchdowns in seven games, which ties a career high.

The Chies are back in action Week 9 vs. N.Y. Jets.

Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey saw some time Week 8 against the Patriots.

Carey received six carries, picking up 33 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. Carey is on a bye Week 9.